St Christopher Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The headteacher has been highly effective in leading changes that have resulted in rapid improvements in teaching and pupils' achievement since the previous inspection. She is ably assisted by the interim leadership team. Together they have managed the school successfully during a period of transition, with many staff changes.

They are strongly supported by a knowledgeable and highly effective governing body. Staff and pupils share a strong belief in the values of their school. They are proud to be part of it.

Parent and carers are highly positive about the support their children receive and the continuing improvements at the sc...hool. Pupils' attainment is above average in Year 6, and an increasing number are working at the higher Levels 5 and 6 in English and mathematics. Most pupils, including those who are most able, are making good progress in reading, writing and mathematics.

Pupils benefit from teaching that is typically good, with an increasing proportion that is outstanding. Pupils' behaviour is good, both in lessons and around the school. Pupils feel extremely safe in school and are nurtured well.

The school provides pupils with an interesting range of subjects, topics and experiences which ensure that they enjoy school. It is not yet an outstanding school because : The proportion of outstanding teaching is not yet high enough to ensure all pupils' progress is rapid and sustained across all year groups. Until recently, pupils' progress in Key Stage 1 has been inconsistent, with few pupils reaching the higher levels.

Some subject leaders are new to their roles and have not been fully involved in checking the quality of teaching or pupils' attainment and progress over time. Some teachers' comments in marking do not always show pupils how they can improve their work.

Information about this school

This school is larger than the average-sized primary school.

The majority of pupils come from a White British background. Increasing proportions come from minority ethnic groups, the largest of which are from Indian and Pakistani heritages. Around one pupil in 20 is disabled or has special educational needs supported through school action.

This is below average. A similar ratio of pupils is supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs, which is also below average. Around one in six pupils is supported by the pupil premium (additional government funding for specific groups of pupils, including those known to be eligible for free school meals), which is below average.

The Early Years Foundation Stage is made up of two full-time Reception classes and a part-time Nursery class with morning and afternoon sessions. The school shares its site with St Christopher Playgroup, a private provider. After-school care called Kool Kids Club is also managed privately.

Both are subject to separate inspecting and reporting arrangements. There have been many staff changes since the previous inspection. The headteacher was appointed in September 2010, the acting deputy headteacher in September 2012 as assistant headteacher, and the acting assistant headteacher was appointed in September 2013.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress